(CNN) - A mounting crisis of deadly waiting times and allegations of cover-up at VA hospitals face Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki as he speaks to members of the U.S. Senate on Thursday.

With his job on the line and a growing number of critics calling for his resignation, Shinseki will go before the Veterans Affairs' Committee. The retired decorated Army general will be asked to explain just how the VA's wait-list scandal became such a mess.